Important Update to CDC Dog Importation Policy for Dogs Entering U.S. from Canada

The U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has informed CKC that they have updated their policy for dog owners and importers seeking to bring a dog into the United States. The new policy focuses on high-risk countries for dog rabies and aims to reduce the burden on dog owners and importers of dogs from countries not considered high risk.

Under these changes
The most significant change to dogs entering the U.S. from Canada is that Canada will now be considered canine rabies virus variant free when importing a dog into the U.S. Dogs coming from low-risk or rabies-free countries are not required to be fully immunized or have a rabies vaccination certificate to enter the United States. This means is that a rabies vaccination certificate will no longer be required and CDC are no longer issuing unimmunized dog permits for dogs from Canada.

However, when travelers enter the United States with their dogs, they must provide written or oral statements that their dogs lived in a low-risk or rabies-free country for at least 6 months (or since birth) prior to arrival. Also note that, even if your dog is coming from a rabies-free country, dogs may still be denied entry if they appear sick, or are known to have a communicable disease.

Other Regulations
In addition to CDC regulations, you will have to comply with US Department of Agriculture and your destination state’s regulations, which are often more strict than federal regulations.
Please be aware that dogs imported for commercial (resale or adoption) purposes have additional requirements from USDA.

To avoid disappointment at the border, breeders that transport dogs to the US are encouraged to confirm all importation rules and regulations prior to finalizing a contract with puppy buyers.

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The Canadian Kennel Club is a national, member-based non-profit organization, incorporated under the Animal Pedigree Act of Canada. It provides registry services for all purebred dogs it officially recognizes. Provides governance for all CKC approved dog shows, dog trials and canine events. Finally, the CKC is a communication organization informing all people interested in dogs.